Plainfield residents are likely to see no property tax hike

Even though 2005 is still more than two months away, Plainfield Township residents probably can expect the new year to be their eighth with no property tax increase.

The township supervisors began discussing the proposed 2005 budget at a meeting Thursday night. It shows Plainfield making and spending a little more than $3 million in the coming year. The township property tax rate would stay at 1 mill.

"We're not under the same pressure that a lot of municipalities are," Supervisor Matt Glennon said. With the township receiving an annual host fee from Grand Central Sanitary Landfill, supervisors have been able to avoid raising the property tax. The proposed budget shows Plainfield receiving $850,000 from the landfill next year, $10,000 more than in the 2004 budget.

It's nearly enough money to finance the township's police force, Plainfield's largest expenditure, at $853,699 for salaries, supplies, training and benefits. Glennon said the supervisors will meet again at 7 p.m. Nov. 3.